Jalen Brunson Talks $113M Pay Cut, Energy from 'Entire City' During Knicks' Title Run in Video
Before leading the New York Knicks to their first NBA championship since 1973, star point guard Jalen Brunson made an eye-opening decision that proved his commitment to the franchise.
Brunson left $113 million on the table when he signed a four-year, $156.5 million contract extension with the Knicks in 2024, allowing the team to add talent around him and emerge as a title contender.
After defeating the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Saturday night to win the series 4-1, Brunson spoke to ESPN's Malika Andrews about his decision two years ago, and he made it clear that he wouldn't change a thing.
"100 percent worth it. 100 percent worth it," Brunson said around the 1:14 mark. "Even if we didn't achieve this, I feel like being able to do that and grind and go on a journey to try to achieve it would've been worth it as well, but this is definitely the cherry on top."
Brunson dropped 45 points in Saturday's win to close out the series against the Spurs and earn Finals MVP honors.
The Knicks' playoff run galvanized New York City and brought joy to a starving fan base, and Brunson and his teammates were excited to deliver for them.
"I feel like this entire city, every person who reps Orange & Blue, I feel like they were along for the ride," Brunson said (0:40 mark). "We definitely felt that energy."
